14 April 2010

Burned Rainbow Flag Discovered at NYC LGBT Community Center

The staff at New York City's historic Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center arrived at work this morning and discovered to their shock a burned rainbow flag outside the building, reports Executive Director Glennda Testone:

"We called the NYPD, and they immediately dispatched detectives from the
hate crimes unit and our local precinct. We also contacted the
Anti-Violence Project, and the crime is currently under investigation.
We at the Center strive everyday to be a safe space for our community
and a beacon of inclusion and hope for the entire city. It is sad that
these incidents still happen in this day and age, but rest assured we
will do everything in our power to make sure our community is safe.
Most importantly, we will not stand for anyone who thinks they can come
to the Center and try to intimidate us. Hate and intolerance against
LGBT New Yorkers will not be accepted, and we as a community must stand
strong and together in the face of these hateful incidents."

Hear, hear.

Testone says the Center's video surveillance captured images of the suspects. But anyone with additional information is urged to call the NYPD at
1-800-577-TIPS.

Comments

This is utterly shocking. It's not enough that we face danger in our own neighborhoods for being who we are, the homophobes have to come to the places we gather, to strike fear in our hearts!

Although this incident is frightening in its implications and purpose, it should give us renewed energy to face those who would use fire and hatred to destroy us; and say by our words and our actions: this will not stand!